A straight copper conductor of length is held along the east–west line in a region…
MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · A Level · Mathematics · Forces and Newton's laws · Forces and Newton's laws
Problem
A straight copper conductor of length 10cm is held along the east–west line in a region where a uniform magnetic field of 0.25T is directed vertically upward. A current of 4A flows from west to east through the conductor.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the force acting on the conductor and state its direction.
(ii) The conductor is now rotated so that it lies parallel to the magnetic field. Determine the magnitude and direction of the force in this new position and justify your answer.
(iii) The conductor is returned to its original orientation but the current direction is reversed. Predict the new direction of the force and compare its magnitude with that obtained in part (i).